Lalor conversations
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Lalor through the Lalor Conversations art installations.
About Lalor Conversations: Part 1 - ceramic murals
In 2015, artist Bern Emmerichs created four ceramic tile murals in Peter Lalor Walk, celebrating the area's history.Each mural is intricately detailed with handpainted images, celebrating the history and cultural heritage of Lalor.
- Panel One pays respect to the Wurundjeri Willum Clan, the Traditional Owners and first peoples of this land. It portrays William Barak and his sister Annie Borat, their culture and people, and their important role in the history of this place.
- Panel Two celebrates Peter Lalor, after whom the walkway and suburb are named. It honours his achievements at the Eureka Stockade and his contribution to democracy in Australia.
- Panel Three represents the German immigrant families of the 1850’s who settled the land and established the original farms in Westgarthtown (the area now known as Lalor and Thomastown).
- Panel Four represents two themes: those who settled in the area through the assistance of the Peter Lalor Homebuilding Co-operative Society; and the culture and diversity of the contemporary Lalor community.
About Lalor Conversations: Part 2 - heritage trail
The Lalor Converastions artworks were so well received by the community that in 2017 we decided to build upon the success of the project by expanding it out into the streets of Lalor, in a 3km radius of Peter Lalor Walk.
The artist selected details from photos of the murals and the details were reworked by graphic designer Heather Hoare from Pixel City Design. The works were printed by our infrastructure staff onto metal signage.
Over 60 metal signage artworks are now displayed throughout Lalor. These pieces, spread across streets, parks, and public spaces, depict the layers of Lalor's history and cultural diversity.
You can walk through this vibrant cultural trail and experience the stories and heritage of Lalor.
Download the map and guide(PDF, 3MB)
If you need this documents in another format, please email info@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or call 03 9217 2170.
Artwork description
- Artwork name: Lalor Conversations Part 1 and 2
- Artist name: Bern Emmerichs
- Year of creation: 2015 - 2017
- Location:
- Part 1 - Peter Lalor Walk, between Station Street and May Road in Lalor
- Part 2 - in streets, parks, playgrounds, car parks and gardens and the Station Street and May Road shopping areas.
- Material: Ceramic tiles, metal signage
About the artist
Bern Emmerichs is a renowned Australian artist.
Her works are in the Australian National Gallery, the National Gallery of Victoria and collections all around the world. Bern Emmerichs is renowned for her work which explores historical narratives of Australia's First Settlement.
Learn more about Bern Emmerichs.
Visitor information
Visit the Lalor Conversations murals at Peter Lalor Walk and explore the extended trail of over 60 artworks throughout Lalor. The trail is approximately 3km long and takes about an hour to walk. Download the trail map to start your journey and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Lalor.
Download the map (PDF, 3MB)
If you need this documents in another format, please email info@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or call 03 9217 2170.
Acknowledgements
This project was funded by the City of Whittlesea in partnership with the Department of Justice and Regulation and the Lalor Traders Association.
Thanks to the residents and community groups who participated in consultation for this project, including:
- Ian Hunter - Wurundjeri Elder, Wurundjeri Tribe Land Cultural Heritage Council Inc.
- Whittlesea Reconciliation Group (WRG)
- the Lalor Traders Association
- the Peter Lalor Housing Estate Alliance (PLHEA)
- Friends of Westgarthtown
- Yarra Plenty Regional Library
- Whittlesea Multicultural Communities Council
- the residents of Lalor.